Drupon Rinpoche's Teaching in 2016

28 Dec 2015

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Drupon Rinpoche in front of Akong Rinpoche's Stupa in Samye Ling Temple on 8th October 2015

During his 2015 Meditation Retreat, Drupon Rinpoche emphasised how very important it is for Samye Ling to celebrate the Anniversary of Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche's passing. ¬†Therefore we will continue to have a series of events around the time of 8th October, the date on which Akong Rinpoche died so suddenly and tragically.

In previous years we celebrated his passing by doing the long Chod practice.¬† However, many of his students are not able to join in with this, therefore we have requested Drupon Rinpoche to continue leading his annual Meditation Retreat as part of the events to mark the anniversary. ¬†So in 2016, Drupon Rinpoche's retreat will start on 8th October and finish on the 15th - click here to see details.

All students of Akong Rinpoche who wish to mark his anniversary are encouraged to participate in this retreat so that together we can do our best to fulfil his wish that we become true Dharma practitioners. ¬†This is something we can all do, even if we don't know much about Dharma or how to do very complex practices like Chod.

We still hope to invite previous retreaters to do Chod practice in the days leading up to the 8th (probably 5th, 6th and 7th), though this still has to be finalised.

Also, since Drupon Rinpoche‚Äôs visit to the UK depends entirely on obtaining a visa to come here, if there is a problem we will hold a Guru Rinpoche Retreat instead of the Meditation Retreat. ¬†Whatever happens, there will definitely be a Retreat at this time each year - which everyone can come to join in. ¬†

We chose the **Koncho Chidu Guru Rinpoche practice because, when a great Lama passes away, it is customary to do Guru Yoga, and ¬†the text for this particular practice is available in English so everyone can take part. Also, while Akong Rinpoche was alive, for many years a short form of this practice was done in Samye Ling every day. ¬†So many of Rinpoche's students, both old and new, are familiar with the practice.

Drupon Rinpoche will also give three days of general teaching which will be open to anyone, whether or not they are Buddhist.¬† This will take place either just before or just after the Meditation Retreat.¬† We will confirm exact dates as soon as we can.

It is also possible that Drupon Rinpoche will give other teachings and we will let you know about this nearer the time.

**Many of you may also wish to attend the regular annual Guru Rinpoche Drupcho (using the same text) which in 2016 will be from 8th - 13th August - see more here.